Commit to losing weight

DEAR HELOISE >> I work at a clinic where we help people lose weight, especially if they have health issues that need to be addressed. One of the first things we do is a complete checkup, then construct a diet around that person’s needs. One of the first things, and perhaps the hardest thing, is to get people to acknowledge that no matter what their friends have told them and no matter what the latest fad diet would have them do, there are two very important factors to their diet plan: One is to exercise, and the other is to eat what is prescribed by the doctor. If the doctors say no ice cream and no pastries, they mean it. The goal is to teach people to make better choices rather than making excuses as to why they’re not losing weight. I know a cinnamon roll tastes good, but it’s fleeting. Looking and feeling better is worth more than a cinnamon roll.

The patient also has to go through psychological testing to find out why they let themselves get to 400 pounds (or more) and how to control whatever started the downward spiral with their weight.

Dieting isn’t fun, and for some, it isn’t easy. But it can extend a person’s life when they eat right. It can give them more energy and sometimes even clear up skin problems. There is no magic pill. It takes time and work. Be patient.

— JoAnn H., Los Angeles

DEAR HELOISE >> You have a recipe that is your version of Swedish meatballs, and I love the taste and the tiny little crunch when I eat them. I want to make up a batch for New Year’s Eve when we’ll be having a group of people here. Will you reprint that for me?

— Kathy R., Naugatuck,

Connecticut

DEAR KATHY >> This recipe was always a favorite of my husband’s, so here it is:

Swedish meatballs

INGREDIENTS

2cups bread crumbs 1/2 cup milk

8ounces sausage meat (spicy)

1/2 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce

1 teaspoon garlic salt 1teaspoon soy sauce 5ounces water chestnuts, chopped

PROCEDURE

Mix the bread crumbs and milk in a large bowl. Add all the other ingredients and mix well. Roll the meat mix into 1-and-1/2-inch balls and place on an ungreased cookie sheet with the sides close together. They shrink while cooking. Bake at 350 F until well done and golden brown (about 30minutes). Remove from the oven and drain on a paper towel. Serve with jelly sauce (ingredients and instructions below): Equal portions of grape jelly and cocktail sauce

In a medium sauce pan, cook over low heat until bubbling. Remove from heat and pour over the meatballs.

Write to Heloise at P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000; Fax 210-HELOISE; or email Heloise@Heloise.com.